2012 Bell Super Enduro Recap and Video

Combining a series of hair-raising, timed, technical descents with un-timed, but challenging climbing segments, the 2012 Bell Super Enduro was a first-of-its-kind mountain bike race in the United States.

Borrowing on the European phenomenon of multi-stage enduro events, the race was part of the third annual Santa Cruz Mountain Bike Festival in Aptos, California.

Held on the crest of mountains between Silicon Valley and Santa Cruz, the race showcased the amazing trails of the Soquel Demonstration State Forest and featured six stages–three untimed climbs and three timed runs on all-mountain-style descents.

Though elapsed racing time was less than 30 minutes for each racer, total ride time was in the five hour range, demanding the fitness and stamina to complete some 7,000 feet of climbing, as well as the technical riding skills to rail the long descents.

Local honches Aaron Bradford and Mary Moncorge won the men’s and women’s classes, respectively.